Old-school unis, new-school feel for Bassitt’s debut

Chris Bassitt pitches for the Chicago White Sox against Detroit on Saturday. Bassitt, a Genoa grad, made his major league debut as the starting pitcher for the second game of a doubleheader.
(Photo:
Submitted photo
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With the team wearing old school uniforms, Bassitt made his major league debut against the Detroit Tigers as he started the second game of a doubleheader on the mound. Bassitt’s execution in the first inning belied any nerves as he retired the side in order, including a called strike three on two-time defending American League MVP Miguel Cabrera.

“The first couple innings went well,” Bassitt said of allowing no hits through two. “It was an overwhelming 72 hours. I burned my pitches in three innings. I felt pretty tired with all the adrenaline and effort. The first inning … going into the game there’s nerves, but once it starts they go away.

“I didn’t sleep too well Thursday or Friday. It was easily the most exhausting 72 hours of my life, but if I could I’d do it over.”

Not all of Bassitt’s teammates were as fond of Saturday’s throwback uniforms as Bassitt, who would have gladly pitched in a toga. Bassitt wore No. 61 and complemented his threads with red shoes.

“I’m kind of fond of it now for what it means,” he said of keeping 61. “My big league debut – I’m happy with that now.”

Bassitt, a Genoa graduate who was a preferred walk-on at the University of Akron, allowed seven hits while striking out four and walking four in 6 1/3 innings. He left the game to cheers from the crowd with a 5-0 deficit and a runner on first in a game Chicago lost 8-4.

Bassitt’s teammates told him to be himself Saturday.

“You know your strengths,” Bassitt said of the message “Do what you do. Just go out and be yourself. After the game, it was just, ‘Good job and we’ll see you for the flight to Minnesota.”

The White Sox flew to Minnesota on Monday for a series with the Twins. Bassitt was the additional 26th man on the roster Saturday for split doubleheaders and was technically sent to Triple-A after the game.

Bassitt expects to be added to the expanded roster and finish the season with Chicago. He does not know if his role will be as a starter or reliever in September.

Bassitt was drafted in 2011. He grew four inches following his junior year in high school and was 10-1 for the Comets as a senior.

Genoa earned conference crowns Bassitt’s final two seasons. Bassitt, who will pitch in the Arizona Fall League for the second straight year, was primarily a closer for the Zips and was in the bullpen as a professional until last season.

There was an old-school feel of sorts Saturday as Bassitt had a group of about 40 fans behind home plate representing his past. Family, friends, his girlfriend, former high school and college teammates, and other members of the Genoa community made the trip Saturday.